JOIN USHow often have we heard of the word ‘clingy’ being used to describe someone who is excessively obsessive about another person or object? It is mostly used in the context when an individual cannot take the hint that it is time to end a particular journey and move on in life.
So, why is it so hard for us to understand that it is important to let go of some things after a certain point in time, because it is just not worth it. Or, that it isn’t doing us any good. Perhaps, it has something to do with the fact that, as human beings, we are inherently prone to being attached to things and people. So much so that we make it a focal point in our lives, forgetting that everything, after all, is ephemeral.
It also has something to do with the societal establishment of keeping things with us forever. A marriage has to last forever (divorces are judged), one has to stick to a job for a ‘considerable’ number of years (changing professions or flitting for money?), staying in one city is a safe option (moving elsewhere is very risky) etc. Stasis seems to have become the norm of the day. As human beings, we are averse to and afraid of the concept of change. We would rather lead a sub-par quality of life and put up with things that debilitate us, than calling it quits. This is because of what would ensue — innumerable uncomfortable questions, charting out a new territory, changing our lives...all daunting prospects that we might not want to deal with.
But then, again, we are faced with a choice, aren’t we? Yes, sometimes it is difficult to arrive at such decisions. But as the comparison has often been made, quitting is like ripping an adhesive bandage off a wound. It will hurt to a great extent. But once it is off you, there is no describing the relief that follows.
Painful it might be, but saying no to something and cutting off that feeling of allegiance that has developed over time is a brave and necessary thing to do in life. Whether on an impulse or a well-thought decision, when you no longer feel happy with something or someone, it will do you well to say goodbye. You will recover, things will look up and newer doors will open with golden opportunities inside. So, stop putting up with things that make you unhappy. Go ahead and rip the bandage!